HIFU Skin Tightening Frequently Asked Questions

What is HIFU? And how does HIFU work?

Ultrasound is an oscillating pressure wave used in many different fields, having different effects – the area of surgery, and now skin lifting. The thermal effect of ultrasound is key… when focused, the high intensity vibrational energy of the ultrasonic wave is turned into heat, and this is the principal of HIFU.

The HIFU beams through the surface of the skin to deliver precise and fractional ultrasound energy to the deeper dermis, subcutaneous tissue and muscle layers, and this deeper layer is responsible for muscular activity in the face. This energy stimulates both muscle firming and new collagen production, with no disruption to the outer skin surface.

The regeneration process takes place progressively, from deeper tissue towards the skin surface, working naturally to both uplift and rejuvenate skin.

Who is HIFU best suited to?

A good candidate for HIFU is someone with skin that has "relaxed" to the point of looking, and often feeling, less firm. A lowered eyebrow line or sagging skin on the eyelids, for instance, is often the first sign of "maturing" skin.

While HIFU is not a replacement for a surgical face lift, there are many people who want some lifting but are not ready for surgery or cosmetic injections.

Is there downtime?

With HIFU treatment there is NO downtime. After your treatment, you can resume your normal activities immediately. Partial face or eye lift treatments can even be done in your lunch break.

How long until you see results and do they remain?

Immediately after your HIFU treatment you may see an initial effect but the ultimate results will take place over the next 2-3 months…and continue getting better for the next 6 months! During this time your body is naturally regenerating collagen and muscles are firming. As it is your own collagen that is being generated, the length of time the results last really depends on your own body's healing response. The treatment produces new collagen and muscle firmness beneath the skin but your own natural aging process will then dictate how long that translates into visible results on the surface.

How many treatments will I need?

Generally only one treatment is needed every 6 months to 2 years depending on the client's age and degree of skin laxity, biological response to ultrasound energy and their individual collagen-building process. Some clients may benefit from additional treatments and future touch-up treatments can help clients keep pace with their body's natural aging process.

Are there side effects?

It is possible for the skin to appear flushed at first. This can happen during treatment but it sometimes lasts longer. If there is any redness, it should disappear within a few hours. Makeup can be worn immediately following treatment. Some clients experience a slight swelling, redness, tingling or tenderness to the touch however these are only temporary sensations. Other, less common post-procedural effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin.